Rosie Ward

Rosalee F. “Rosie” Ward, 81, of Gallipolis, Ohio passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at Four Winds Community in Jackson, Ohio. Rosie was born on May 30, 1941 in Mason County, West Virginia, the daughter of the late Worthy and Pauline V. Lanier Fletcher. Rosie grew up in Apple Grove, West Virginia on a dairy farm; she was an animal lover and was a graduate of Point Pleasant High School. Rosie also earned a business degree from Gallipolis Business College and had a life insurance license. She was a member of Gallipolis Christian Church for 45 years. Rosie is survived by her children, Darla Merola of Gallipolis, Diane (Jack) Levine of Piketon, Ohio, and Mark (Annette) Ward of Rio Grande, Ohio; eight grandchildren, Brittani (Bryan) Roe of Gallipolis, Nick (Haley) Merola of Ona, WV, Tyler (Jodi) Merola of Gallipolis, Dell (Rachel) Smith of Jackson, Mackenzie (Adam) Helton of Waterloo, IL, Danielle Levine (Jeremy) of Columbus, Jessica Ward of Cleveland, and Kathryn Ward of Rio Grande; twelve great grandchildren, Bella Grace and Brogan Fletcher Roe, Piper Marie and Hadley Jo Merola, Bodhi Anthony Merola, Anthony Tyler Merola, Clayton James Merola, Lainey Grace Ellis, Kennedy Jane Smith, Grayson Isaac Smith, Madelyn Marie Helton, and Charlotte Rose Helton; one sister, Geraldine “Jerri” Wright of Bakersfield, CA; two nephews, Stephen Wright and Gregory (Chaney) Wright; great nieces, Kristen Wright and Amy Wright; and great nephew, Alex Wright. The funeral service for Rosie will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday August, 3, 2022 at Gallipolis Christian Church with Ministers Joe Bowers and Denny Coburn officiating. Her burial will follow at Ohio Valley Memory Gardens. Friends may call on Tuesday August 2, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Willis Funeral Home.